Nikolas is the founder of Yoga Light House and the Yoga Sadhana at the center. He is a light bearer, spiritual warrior and seeker for liberation.

Jeewanthi

Jeewanthi is the Fire Keeper, Shakti of our Spiritual Home and a Kundalini that dreams to wake up within herself one day.

Verified BookMeditationRetreats.com reviews

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Review by Andrea Willems from United States

Nice way to finish my trip in Sri Lanka

PROS Pros: The yoga sessions were great. My yoga skills improved a lot in just 5 days. After the retreat I felt more confident and happy, it was a n(m)ice experience. ;)

2017-Jul-26 06:45:42

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Review by Dorothy Bazos from United States

CONS Cons: The yoga instructor led us on very dangerous waterfall hikes which included climbing bolder fields and walking through leech infested trails. He was not prepared with first aide equipment or knowledge of local terrain or language. One person in our group had a full blown panic attack and begged for help crossing the rocks but the instructor did not help. I am currently being treated for bacterial infections due to the leech bites. I would not recommend this business to anyone.

Organizer response: Thank you for your message. Dorothy Bazos is a special type person who shouldn't attempt any pilgrimage. She is 67 years old woman who 'never sleeps' as she remarked. Leeches are a usual case in the tropics and they are also used in traditional medicine for blood cleansing. You can't get any infection from them. Kindly note that our yoga pilgrimage package is about one 1 year in the market and is of great success and benefits to our yoga guests which was confirmed in many reviews by our guests. Dotty Bathos might be in need of special care and attention which Yoga Light-House can't provide. Dotty almost disrupted our yoga pilgrimage retreat that took place from 6th to 15th of April by aggressively behaving with other participants whom she wrote were 'in a state of panic' but finally made their pilgrimage a success with lots of personal achievements and discoveries whereas Dorothy failed at the most important and crucial moment of the pilgrimage by refusing to climb the Adam's Peak almost dragging others down with her. If a couple of leeches can totally ruin someone's yoga retreat of what mental harmony and well-being we can speak in this particular case? We doubt there can be any positive outcome out of refusal and resentment. Only through acceptance and consequent yoga efforts we can overcome the most troubled areas of the mind.
Yoga Light-House

2017-Apr-18 03:05:01

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Review by Alvaro Obeso from United States

Great experience

CONS Cons: Nothing

PROS Pros: I liked the whole experience, Nicholas and his wife were great. It was life changing experience for me. Thank you very much.

2017-Apr-15 08:53:14

Review by Zsolt & Andrea from Hungary

10 out of 10

"Our first ever yoga holiday was organised by Jeewanthi, Yoga Light-House and booked via BookYogaRetreats. Jeewanthi was doing great job to organize everything according to our travel plan and requirements. We stayed in Ging Oya Lodge, a wonderful eco-friendly, natural lodge managed by Mirijam and Leo. They both are fantastic host by creating peaceful, relaxing stay to their guests there. "

"The yogi host Nicolas is a unique person. He has conducted our morning and evening sessions with maximum focus, taking care of our mental and physical conditions, requests, etc... He is much more than just a yogi, he gave us advises and also shared his experiences. Ayurveda consultation with Jeewa was also personal, open and useful for future lifestyle as well. "

"All in all the Yoga Light-House experience was a great choice and we wish to thank them for the lifelong experience they all have provided. I wish we could return soon again!"

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Review by Daniela Machado

10 out of 10

"When I reached out Yoga Light-House Sri Lanka, my objective was to relax, do yoga, be closer to the nature and meditate. Nicolas and Jewwa were beyond any expectations, such an amazing souls, with a huge and warm heart, I'm so thankful to have crossed their way. Our days were fulfilled with precious knowledge, yoga, meditation, self discovering, inside a "mini-jungle" in the beautiful and green area of Waykkala. We also enjoyed plenty of rest, pampering massages on the neighbor Ayurveda center, and a lot of fun, as our small group of 5 souls came beautifully together to share this amazing energy and experience. Nikolas is just fantastic, giving us full attention and care, pushing and encouraging each one of us to give our best, understanding where we stand individually and as a group. Jewwa melted my heart with her sweetness and big smile.. I have always loved the concept of Ayurveda, had read so much about that, and after my consultation with them I am even more inspired and motivated to go further. I left with an enormous feeling of gratitude and happiness I had a fantastic time with them, a deep and enlightened journey to within"

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Review by Norma Gray

10 out of 10

"Nicolas your guidance has given me a richer personal practice, particularly my meditation and pranayama. Your teaching is authentic, specific and is a complete practice which is easily adaptable to today's lifestyle. Thank you Nicolas and Jeewanthi for a wonderfully memorable experience. Blessings Yoga Light-House!"

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Review by Clelia Salvati

10 out of 10

"When I booked my yoga retreat with Yoga Light-House Sri Lanka, I had no idea where I was stepping in. I had only a basic experience of yoga and had never done a retreat before. I thought I would do yoga and find a peace of mind and of body and I found much more than that. The place where we stayed is fabulous, calm, peaceful, perfect for the purpose, the food is great, the ocean nearby as well as a few Ayurveda centers. The small group of participants was a great combination, just 5 of us and we got on really well together, during and in between the sessions. And the yoga master is fantastic; I learned a lot of new positions from him, learned meditation and breathing. His wife Jeewanthi is a very attentive and caring Ayurveda doctor who gives the best advice to keep healthy. I came to practice some yoga moves, I left with a completely new body and a mind free of stress and worries and new friends. I will definitely come again."

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Review by Tuva from Norway

10 out of 10

"I am very satisfied with everything about my stay at Yoga-Light-House. First of all, we were only two people doing the program, so we got full attention/help. I've learned a lot in just three and a half days, and I've brought it with me home to my life in Norway; both through yoga-meditation-consultation-conversation. Now, back home for three weeks, I still feel calm/relaxed, and sleep better than I've ever done before. Also: I had no idea, through the pictures, that the place we stayed in during the program was gonna be that beautiful. The room was the nicest room I've slept in during my trip in Sri Lanka."

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Review by Conor Colleary

10 out of 10

"Hi Jeewanthi and Nicolas! Thanks for what was fundamentally an excellent trip. I really enjoyed learning about yoga and the practice sessions that we did. I also feel very refreshed and calm after the trip. All I need now that I am back home, is to keep practicing. Thanks again for a great experience."

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Review by Mary Goodwin

10 out of 10

"AMAZING!!! This retreat which included the excursion to Adam's Peak was far more than I could have ever expected. The Yoga Light house experience challenged me to come out of my comfort zone both physically and emotionally. The excursion to Adam's Peak is NOT TO BE MISSED! We walked at a pace that was comfortable for the whole group during the cool of the night. It was a magical experience, with stunning views of the night sky. Our thoughts were cleared as we focused on our breathing and each step we took to push ourselves to the summit. It was unforgettable experience shared with wonderful people I had never met before. We also took in trips to waterfalls, swam in the river, went kayaking and much more. We were treated like family by the Yoga Lighthouse staff Nicholas and Madu. They were so attentive to the groups needs and spent quality time with us individually to discuss our health and emotional needs. They were so giving and welcoming. I will truly miss them! If you want a true yoga experience with an adventure, definitely pick this retreat with the excursion. If it is just yoga you want, they do programs without the excursion to Adam's Peak which I am sure will be amazing too. "

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Review by Rose

10 out of 10

"Dear Nickolas and Jeewa, Just writing to say thanks to the both of you for my time at Yoga Light-House, and apologies for my late email - I've been on the move since I left the lodge. Anyway, it was truly memorable and a very positive experience for me. I will remember the wise advice you both have given to me and I will try to put it into practice as much as I can. Some of the things have certainly stuck in my mind and I will remember them in times of need."

"I'm going to carry on with the yoga and pranayama once in back in London, I believe it will help me with everything and become strong! I got my palm read In Varanasi and he said yoga and meditation will be an important thing in my life and I might even open a center when I'm older ha! Jeewanthi thank you so much for the medicine again. I will start taking it when I get home and let you know how it's working. Hope you have a lovely time with your family. Thanks again."

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Review by Ingela Corner

10 out of 10

"Hi Nicolas! Thank you for one of the best experiences of my life! I arrived home safely Saturday night. It was minus 10 degrees outside and a little bit of snow - a big contrast. The flight was OK but I got a terrible headache. Though since I came home I have been very tired, or sleepy is maybe more correct. Hard to keep my eyes open and swollen around the eyes. Probably due to that I didn't sleep much the first couple of nights together with jet-lag. Or a reaction after all mental, and physical, work I went through in Sri Lanka? Maybe a combination. Though physically I feel great! I try to do my morning-practice everyday, the wake-up and meditation. I feel the meditation goes a little bit better day by day, the thoughts are not everywhere all the time and I can focus a little bit better on the breathing, mantra, mala-beads, etc. The sun salutations I have done a couple of times as well, my aim being to do them every day Tell Madu that I take my medicine every day according to her instructions. I will get back to you/her within a week to let you know the effect I experience from it. Take care! Ayubowa."

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Review by Laura Burkhardt from Switzerland

10 out of 10

"Hey Nicolas! I'm safe back in Dubai. Thanks again for that great experience! Even I had some blockades during the sessions I really enjoyed it. I forgot to ask if you can send me the pictures that you did on the river while we were kayaking and also those which Madu took while we were doing our yoga session at the river. I wish you a great day and please say hello to Madu! Namaste from Dubai."

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Testimonials

Review by Anne McCloghry

10 out of 10

"Sri Lanka is amazing, what a wonderful, special place, and I will definitely be coming back. I had such a great experience at the retreat - I will post a review & send my photos over Google drive asap. "

"I was practicing for the rest of my holiday but I've had 5 days off since coming home - I'm going back to class this afternoon! My back is ok but my chair-sitting definitely makes it sore and cranky!"

"I really took a lot of wonderful new thoughts and concepts away with me from the retreat & look forward to meeting you again in the future to learn some more. "

"Much love to you both and can't wait to see/hear news of the new family member."

Yoga Light- House Sri Lanka website, edited

Review by Babora from Italy

10 out of 10

"Dear Jeewa and Nicolas, I have arrived back safely to Italy yesterday. Hope you are doing also well and enjoying the next pilgramage. I would like to thank you again for your kindness and warmth, you were fantastic with us during the whole stay. The experience was truly transformational and refreshing, giving me many insights and inspiration on how to live a happy & balanced life. I wish you all the best with the expansion of your project and much happiness with your new baby (send pictures please!)."

Yoga Light-House Sri Lanka website, edited

Review by Charllote from Germany

10 out of 10

"Dear Jeewa and Nicholas, How are you? I hope this email finds you well. I am now in Ranna, close to Tangalle and relaxing at the beach. I look back to our stay and feel so blessed and grateful to have experienced it with such a wonderful group of people. You two made the experience so special, by sharing your knowledge and wisdom with such love and devotion. I want to whole-heatedly Thank you, for guiding us all through our own individual journeys and for being genuine and authentic. I have not only learned a lot from you about yoga, meditation and Ayurveda, but also about the art of guiding and supporting people with their lives. I think it is so wonderful that you guys are offering such an experience to the world and I am in no doubt that you will help and inspire so many people. So again, thank you for being you! I also hope that the rest of the retreat went well for you all and that you both had some nice time to rest, until you start the next retreat. I look forward to hearing from you and until then I’m sending Many hugs from Ranna!"

Yoga Light-House Sri Lanka website, edited

Review by Laura from Switzerland

10 out of 10

"Hey Nicolas! Im safe back in Dubai. Thanks again for that great experience! Even i had some blockades during the Sessions i really enjoyed it. I forgot to ask if You can Send me the pictures that You did on the River while we were kayaking and also those which Madu Took while we were doing our yoga Session at the river. I wish You a Great day and please say hello to Madu! Namaste from Dubai ;)"

Yoga Light-House Sri Lanka website, edited

Review by Saoirse & Darragh from Ireland

10 out of 10

"Thank you so much for an incredible yoga experience with Yoga Light-House. We have been blown away by all the hospitality, encouragement, advice and guidance on our Spiritual Journey. You both have something really special and we are very grateful to have been a part of it. We won’t ever forget our time here although the real work starts now. Keep sharing your love and light with the world and hopefully we will meet again. We can’t wait to be reunited again. Until then stay safe, stay smiling and never stop being you. All our love and hugs!"

Yoga Light-House Sri Lanka website, edited

Review by Sara & Stephanie from Germany

10 out of 10

"Dear Jeewa, Thank you, yes we very much enjoyed our trip! Actually, we didn’t travel much more. After we moved to beautiful balapitya beach, sun-induced laziness kicked in and we stayed there for another week (a little sightseeing was also involved, but certainly not enough to fully appreciate the many facets and the cultural richness of Sri Lanka). Most memorable to me will be the wonderful people that we had the opportunity to meet, including and above all the both of you. What you do is really special, and I simply cannot come up with a thing to improve. I am returning back home deeply grateful, confident and inspired. Keep going - you really make a difference :-)! And I just agreed with my employer on a sabbatical as from September 2017! (so you might be seeing more of me in 2017/18 ;-)) Wishing you a very happy New Year 2017!"

Yoga Light-House Sri Lanka website, edited

Review by Johanna from Germany

10 out of 10

"I stayed 6 days at the Ging Oya Lodge, practicing Yoga, pranayama and meditation in the morning for three hours every day. I was the only person doing the practice together with Nikolas, it was a blast. I've learned a lot, new postures, new ways to keep myself in balance. Nikolas is an awesome Yoga teacher. Together with Jeewanthi we headed to the ocean with the kayaks and had some amazing conversations. I'm continuing with the yoga and pranayama practice every day and I feel very grateful to have met such wonderful people. Jeewanthi and Nikolas, may your lives be blessed and full of sunshine - I wish you all the best. Lots of greetings from Germany!"

Yoga Light-House Sri Lanka website, edited

Review by Johanna

10 out of 10

"Hey Nicholas & Jeewanthi! Thank you so much for the birthday wishes! I'm very grateful to have spent my time with you, doing yoga and traveling through this beautiful island. "

"Now, my daily life becomes to a routine again, and I practice yoga, pranayama and meditation every day. I really enjoy it. Lots of love to you! May your life be blessed and filled with happiness and love. All the best to you! "

"P.S. Yeah, I climbed Sigirya in the morning, it was amazing. And later that day I enjoyed the calmness in the Buddha caves in Dambulla - a magical place."

Yoga Light-House Sri Lanka website, edited

Review by Dina

10 out of 10

"Thank you so much once again for the amazing week that I had with you guys. Your place and your heart and dedication are unbelievable. It was not only learning and practice yoga it was something deeper something powerful, was learning how to live in a simple and genuine way with the most valuable of the values of life: Love. Words are not enough to express my gratitude. Wish you the best for both of you, Jeewanthi and Nicolas. I know your project will be successful because you deserve."

Yoga Light-House Sri Lanka website, edited

Review by Esther from German

10 out of 10

"I'm back in Germany and still feel lighthearted from all the impressions I had during the last month. One of the biggest impacts was definitely meeting you. Not only was the yoga-experience the best I ever had, but also getting to know the work of Ayurveda was incredible and I keep it with me all the time. Thank you for all this. My shoulder and my mind are so relaxed. The oil you gave me Madhu is perfect and gives my shoulder great warmth and comfort. India was just an adventure as Sri Lanka. Maybe a bit more chaotic, loud and dirty, but also great in colour, spirituality and vitality. I hope I'm able to come back and join an ashramit one day. Until then I keep up my yoga practice whenever I can. I hope, you too are doing fine. Spreading that positive energy around the globe. I keep telling everyone about you, keeping you busy. Wishing you all the best and hope to hear from you soon!"

Yoga Light-House Sri Lanka website, edited

Review by Benjamin from United States

"I came to stay with Yoga Light-House in Sri Lanka from 21st to 28th of January 2015. After 7 days of yoga practice my feelings are ambiguous, however my mind is clear and quiet. From the seven days yoga retreat, I have gained an experience that are could not be describe. There are 6 or 7 cabanas scattered around the place and its all facing the river, the river view is covered by huge bamboo grass. The interior of the cabana I stayed was very spacious, furnished enough to satisfy guests. The feeling of staying inside was a combination of modesty, comfort, neatness and quietness. You will have the feeling you're having vacations at a summer house in the country.Nicolas came to me and explained how and where we would start with my yoga practices. And at that particular moment I came to realize that things would not be developing like the usual or the way I expected. I am not much into yoga and I do not do regular practice. At Yoga Light-House yoga is everywhere, in each moment and every breath you take. And it started from the very moment I entered the place.We started yoga in the evening, which has intrigued the sense of an explorer and investigator to the real me and it continues to grow. At some points of my practice, I dwell deep into it that I feel there was only me.The last session was dedicated to a revision of the new experience. I was presented with a written advice on how I can continue my practice on my own. I really appreciate meeting with Leo, Miriam and Nicolas who lived in the East for so long that they managed to absorb the values there and treasures and eagerly shared them with others using western means of communication. My understanding of yoga has undergone a radical change. There is definitely something in our western yoga that we miss or omit without understanding the real value. I am very lucky to get a chance to discover it through my own experience ."